INGENIEUR
and other medical counter measures that are vital to safeguard people ’ s health and well-being , while incentivising innovation . We acknowledge that the role of extensive immunisation against COVID-19 is critical in order to bring the pandemic to an end .
We recognise the importance of the development and contribution of digital technologies in safeguarding people ’ s health and protecting the region from health threats , and enhancing resilience , scalability and sustainability of health systems , thereby moving towards universal health coverage .
APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040
We proclaim the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 , a new vision that primarily charts the future of our region . Our Vision is an open , dynamic , resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 , for the prosperity of all our people and future generations . We task our Senior Officials to complete a comprehensive implementation plan for our consideration in 2021 .
Improving the Narrative of Trade and Investment We welcome the significant progress made under the Bogor Goals , including the final review of APEC ’ s progress towards the Bogor Goals in facilitating trade and investment and recognising that more needs to be done in fostering an enabling environment for trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region .
We recognise the importance of a free , open , fair , non-discriminatory , transparent and predictable trade and investment environment to drive economic recovery at such a challenging time . In this regard , we reaffirm our support for agreedupon rules of the WTO in promoting the stability and predictability of international trade flows . We take note of the call of the APEC Business Advisory Council ( ABAC ) for APEC to continue supporting the multilateral trading system .
We will continue to support the on-going work at the WTO , including through its necessary reform aimed to improve its functioning , and will continue to work on appropriate capacity building initiatives to implement WTO agreements . We call for expedited progress in the on-going WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies . APEC member participants in Joint Statement Initiatives ( JSI ) call for progress in the lead-up to the 12 th WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC12 ), recognising the e-commerce initiative is particularly important in supporting COVID-19 recovery .
We will further advance the economic integration in the region , in a manner that is market-driven , including through the work on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific ( FTAAP ) agenda , which will contribute to high quality and comprehensive regional undertakings . We underscore the importance of improving regional connectivity through quality infrastructure development and investment based upon relevant APEC work .
Inclusive Economic Participation through Digital Economy and Technology Innovation and digitalisation enable Governments , businesses and people to carry out their activities and empower inclusive economic participation by all . We will foster an enabling environment for the development of the digital economy , including to open new opportunities for Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSMEs ). We aim to promote innovative technologies and foster a reliable , interoperable , open , accessible and secure ICT environment , narrow the existing digital , skills and regulatory gaps , and encourage development in digital infrastructure and transformation . We acknowledge the importance of co-operation in facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business trust in digital transactions .
We recognise the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on MSMEs , women and others with untapped economic potential . We intend to pursue inclusive economic policies that support their recovery and growth through effective and equal participation in economic activities and opportunities to contribute to economic recovery efforts . We support and welcome the implementation of the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth .
COVID-19 has transformed the way we work and accelerated the transitions to the future of work setting . We recognise the need for continued structural reforms to improve the ways of doing business and unleash economic prosperity for our people , including accelerating co-operation on digital literacy and skills development to harness
68 VOL 85 JANUARY - MARCH 2021